Ground-pine
Lycopodium clavatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, CA, CT, DE and 28 more states
Ground-pine is a low-growing evergreen clubmoss that forms dense, spreading mats with upright branching stems resembling tiny pine trees. This ancient plant species produces distinctive cone-like spore structures in summer and maintains its green color year-round. It spreads slowly by underground runners to create attractive groundcover patches.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ground-pine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Unusual appearance may confuse neighbors unfamiliar with native plants
- Very informal groundcover lacks structured garden appearance
- Slow establishment may look sparse initially
Wildlife value
Ground-pine provides shelter for small insects and spiders within its dense mat structure. As a spore-producing plant rather than a flowering species, it does not attract pollinators but offers habitat for ground-dwelling invertebrates.
Common questions
- How much sun does Ground-pine need?
- Ground-pine grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Ground-pine bloom?
- Ground-pine blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Ground-pine native?
- Ground-pine (Lycopodium clavatum) is native to AL, CA, CT, DE and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Ground-pine HOA-friendly?
- Ground-pine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Ground-pine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz